Multi-utility surgical instrument

ABSTRACT

A multi-utility surgical instrument may include a nosecone, a handle, a housing sleeve, an actuation facilitating sleeve, a piston tube, a hypodermic tube, and an end plug. The hypodermic tube may be disposed within the piston tube; the piston tube may be disposed within the actuation facilitating sleeve; the actuation facilitating sleeve may be disposed within the housing sleeve; the end plug may be disposed within a portion of the housing sleeve; the housing sleeve and the end plug may be disposed within the handle; the nose cone may be fixed to a distal end of the handle; and the hypodermic tube may be fixed to the nosecone.

CROSS-REFERENCE TO RELATED APPLICATIONS

This application is a divisional of prior application Ser. No.14/447,308 filed Jul. 31, 2014.

FIELD OF THE INVENTION

The present disclosure relates to a surgical instrument, and, moreparticularly, to a multi-utility surgical instrument.

BACKGROUND OF THE INVENTION

A variety of surgical procedures are performed through a very smallsurgical incision in a particular tissue. Reducing the size of asurgical incision during a surgical procedure generally reduces theamount of trauma to the surgical site and generally facilitates fasterwound healing. In order to perform surgical procedures through a verysmall surgical incision, a surgeon may require specialized surgicalinstruments configured to fit through the very small surgical incisionand provide the surgeon with a surgical utility. For example, a surgeonmay perform a particular surgical procedure by inserting a firstspecialized surgical instrument having a first surgical utility into avery small surgical incision, and then performing a first portion of theparticular surgical procedure. After performing the first portion of theparticular surgical procedure, the surgeon may be required to withdrawthe first specialized surgical instrument from the very small surgicalincision and insert a second specialized surgical instrument having asecond surgical utility into the very small surgical incision, e.g., inorder to perform a second portion of the particular surgical procedure.

It is generally desirable to reduce the number of specialized surgicalinstruments required to perform a particular surgical procedure througha very small surgical incision. For example, every time a new surgicalinstrument is inserted into the very small surgical incision, there is arisk of additional trauma to the surgical site. Accordingly, there is aneed for a surgical instrument configured to provide a plurality ofutilities through a very small surgical incision.

BRIEF SUMMARY OF THE INVENTION

The present disclosure provides a multi-utility surgical instrument. Inone or more embodiments, a multi-utility surgical instrument maycomprise a nosecone, a handle, a housing sleeve, an actuationfacilitating sleeve, a piston tube, a hypodermic tube, and an end plug.Illustratively, the hypodermic tube may be disposed within the pistontube; the piston tube may be disposed within the actuation facilitatingsleeve; the actuation facilitating sleeve may be disposed within thehousing sleeve; the end plug may be disposed within a portion of thehousing sleeve; the housing sleeve and the end plug may be disposedwithin the handle; the nose cone may be fixed to a distal end of thehandle; and the hypodermic tube may be fixed to the nosecone.

In one or more embodiments, a compression of the handle may beconfigured to actuate the nosecone relative to the handle wherein thenosecone is gradually extended relative to a proximal end of the handle.Illustratively, an extension of the nosecone relative to the proximalend of the handle may be configured to provide one or more surgicalutilities, e.g., a closing of a forceps. In one or more embodiments, adecompression of the handle may be configured to actuate the noseconerelative to the handle wherein the nosecone is gradually retractedrelative to the proximal end of the handle. Illustratively, a refractionof the nosecone relative to the proximal end of the handle may beconfigured to provide one or more surgical utilities, e.g., an openingof a forceps.

In one more embodiments, a multi-utility surgical instrument may beconfigured to interface with one or more components, e.g., to provideone or more surgical utilities. Illustratively, an end plug of amulti-utility surgical instrument may comprise an interface taper. Inone or more embodiments, the interface taper may be configured tointerface with a syringe, e.g., to provide cleaning utility. Forexample, the syringe may be configured to flush a fluid through amulti-utility surgical instrument, e.g., to clean an inner portion ofthe multi-utility surgical instrument. Illustratively, the interfacetaper may be configured to interface with an irrigation component, e.g.,to provide an irrigation utility. In one or more embodiments, theinterface taper may be configured to interface with an aspirationcomponent, e.g., to provide an aspiration utility. Illustratively, theinterface taper may be configured to interface with a drug deliverycomponent, e.g., to provide a drug delivery utility. In one or moreembodiments, the interface taper may be configured to interface with anillumination component, e.g., to provide an illumination utility.

BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS

The above and further advantages of the present invention may be betterunderstood by referring to the following description in conjunction withthe accompanying drawings in which like reference numerals indicateidentical or functionally similar elements:

FIG. 1 is a schematic diagram illustrating an exploded view of amulti-utility surgical instrument assembly;

FIGS. 2A and 2B are schematic diagrams illustrating an assembledmulti-utility surgical instrument;

FIGS. 3A, 3B, and 3C are schematic diagrams illustrating a graspingutility of an assembled multi-utility surgical instrument;

FIGS. 4A, 4B, and 4C are schematic diagrams illustrating a releasingutility of an assembled multi-utility surgical instrument;

FIG. 5 is a schematic diagram illustrating a multi-utility surgicalinstrument flushing configuration;

FIGS. 6A and 6B are schematic diagrams illustrating a multi-utilitysurgical instrument with an irrigation utility;

FIGS. 7A and 7B are schematic diagrams illustrating a multi-utilitysurgical instrument with an aspiration utility;

FIGS. 8A, 8B, and 8C are schematic diagrams illustrating a multi-utilitysurgical instrument with an illumination utility;

FIGS. 9A and 9B are schematic diagrams illustrating a multi-utilitysurgical instrument with a drug delivery utility.

DETAILED DESCRIPTION OF AN ILLUSTRATIVE EMBODIMENT

FIG. 1 is a schematic diagram illustrating an exploded view of amulti-utility surgical instrument assembly 100. In one or moreembodiments, multi-utility surgical instrument assembly 100 may comprisea nosecone 105 having a nosecone distal end 106 and a nosecone proximalend 107; one or more links 108; one or more link pins 109; one or morespacers 104; a handle 110 having a handle distal end 111 and a handleproximal end 112; a front plug 115; a distal O-ring 116; a proximalO-ring 117; a housing sleeve 120 having a housing sleeve distal end 121and a housing sleeve proximal end 122; an actuation facilitating sleeve130 having an actuation facilitating sleeve distal end 131 and anactuation facilitating sleeve proximal end 132; an inner hypodermic tube140 having an inner hypodermic tube distal end 141 and an innerhypodermic tube proximal end 142; a piston tube 150 having a piston tubedistal end 151 and a piston tube proximal end 152; an end plug 160having an end plug distal end 161 and an end plug proximal end 162; afixation mechanism 165; an outer hypodermic tube 170 having an outerhypodermic tube distal end 171 and an outer hypodermic tube proximal end172; and a surgical blank 180 having a surgical blank distal end 181 anda surgical blank proximal end 182.

Illustratively, outer hypodermic tube 170 may be fixed to nosecone 105,e.g., outer hypodermic tube proximal end 172 may be fixed to noseconedistal end 106. In one or more embodiments, one or more links 108 andone or more link pins 109 may be configured to connect nosecone 105 andhandle 110, e.g., a portion of nosecone 105 may be disposed withinhandle 110. Illustratively, nosecone 105 may be connected to one or morelinks 108, e.g., one or more link pins 109 may be disposed within bothnosecone 105 and one or more links 108. In one or more embodiments,handle 110 may be connected to one or more links 108, e.g., one or morelink pins 109 may be disposed within both handle 110 and one or morelinks 108. Illustratively, at least one link 108 may be connected toboth nosecone 105 and handle 110, e.g., by one or more link pins 109.

In one or more embodiments, inner hypodermic tube 140 may be at leastpartially disposed within piston tube 150, e.g., inner hypodermic tubeproximal end 142 may be disposed within piston tube 150. Illustratively,inner hypodermic tube 140 and piston tube 150 may be at least partiallydisposed within actuation facilitating sleeve 130. In one or moreembodiments, actuation facilitating sleeve 130 and piston tube 150 maybe disposed within housing sleeve 120. Illustratively, inner hypodermictube 140 may be at least partially disposed within housing sleeve 120,e.g., inner hypodermic tube distal end 141 may extend a distance fromhousing sleeve distal end 121.

In one or more embodiments, distal O-ring 116 may be disposed over aportion of front plug 115. Illustratively, distal O-ring 116 may bedisposed within housing sleeve 120 and actuation facilitating sleeve130. In one or more embodiments, at least a portion of front plug 115may be disposed within housing sleeve 120 and actuation facilitatingsleeve 130, e.g., housing sleeve distal end 121 and actuationfacilitating sleeve distal end 131 may be disposed over a portion offront plug 115. Illustratively, proximal O-ring 117 may be disposed overa portion of end plug 160. In one or more embodiments, proximal O-ring117 may be disposed within housing sleeve 120 and actuation facilitatingsleeve 130. Illustratively, at least a portion of end plug 160 may bedisposed within housing sleeve 120 and actuation facilitating sleeve130, e.g., housing sleeve proximal end 122 and actuation facilitatingsleeve proximal end 132 may be disposed over a portion of end plug 160.

In one or more embodiments, front plug 115, distal O-ring 116, housingsleeve 120, actuation facilitating sleeve 130, piston tube 150, innerhypodermic tube 140, proximal O-ring 117, and end plug 160 may bedisposed within handle 110. For example, end plug 160 may be disposedwithin handle 110 wherein end plug proximal end 162 may be adjacent tohandle proximal end 112. Illustratively, inner hypodermic tube 140 maybe fixed to nosecone 105, e.g., inner hypodermic tube distal end 141 maybe fixed to nosecone proximal end 107.

In one or more embodiments, surgical blank 180 may be disposed withinouter hypodermic tube 170, nosecone 105, inner hypodermic tube 140,piston tube 150, and end plug 160. Illustratively, fixation mechanism165 may be configured to fix surgical blank 180 in a position relativeto handle 110. For example, fixation mechanism 165 may comprise asetscrew configured to fix surgical blank 180 in a position relative tohandle 110. In one or more embodiments, fixation mechanism 165 maycomprise an adhesive material configured to fix surgical blank 180 in aposition relative to handle 110. Illustratively, fixation mechanism 165may comprise any suitable means of fixing surgical blank 180 in aposition relative to handle 110.

FIGS. 2A and 2B are schematic diagrams illustrating an assembledmulti-utility surgical instrument 200. FIG. 2A illustrates a side viewof an assembled multi-utility surgical instrument 200. In one or moreembodiments, housing sleeve 120 may be disposed within handle 110.Illustratively, actuation facilitating sleeve 130 may be disposed withinhousing sleeve 120. In one or more embodiments, piston tube 150 may bedisposed within actuation facilitating sleeve 130. Illustratively, aportion of inner hypodermic tube 140 may be disposed within piston tube150, e.g., inner hypodermic tube proximal end 142 may be disposed withinpiston tube 150. In one or more embodiments, a portion of innerhypodermic tube 140 may be fixed to an inner portion of piston tube 150,e.g., by a biocompatible adhesive. For example, an actuation of innerhypodermic tube 140 relative to handle 110 may be configured to actuatepiston tube 150 relative to handle 110 and an actuation of piston tube150 relative to handle 110 may be configured to actuate inner hypodermictube 140 relative to handle 110.

Illustratively, handle 110 may comprise a spring return aperture 210. Inone or more embodiments, spring return aperture 210 may comprise one ormore hinges 215. Illustratively, spring return aperture 210 may beconfigured to separate a first portion of handle 110 and a secondportion of handle 110. In one or more embodiments, spring returnaperture 210 may be configured to separate a particular point on thefirst portion of handle 110 from a particular point on the secondportion of handle 110 at a first distance. Illustratively, anapplication of a compressive force to a portion of handle 110 may beconfigured to separate the particular point on the first portion ofhandle 110 from the particular point on the second portion of handle 110at a second distance. In one or more embodiments, the first distance maybe greater than the second distance.

Illustratively, handle 110 may comprise one or more surgical grip points220. In one or more embodiments, one or more surgical grip points 220may be configured to prevent undesirable movements of handle 110, e.g.,during a surgical procedure. Illustratively, one or more surgical grippoints 220 may be configured to interface with a surgeon's fingertips.In one or more embodiments, one or more surgical grip points 220 may beconfigured to increase a total contact area between a surgeon'sfingertips and handle 110. Illustratively, one or more surgical grippoints 220 may be configured to facilitate an application of acompressive force to handle 110, e.g., by increasing a coefficient offriction between a surgeon's fingertips and handle 110 as the surgeonapplies a compressive force to handle 110. Handle 110 may bemanufactured from any suitable material, e.g., polymers, metals, metalalloys, etc., or from any combination of suitable materials.

In one or more embodiments, handle 110 may comprise one or more handlelink pin housings 230. Illustratively, handle link pin housing 230 maybe configured to house link pin 109. In one or more embodiments,nosecone 105 may comprise one or more nosecone link pin housings 235.Illustratively, nosecone link pin housing 235 may be configured to houselink pin 109. In one or more embodiments, at least one link pin 109 maybe configured to connect nosecone 105 to link 108, e.g., link pin 109may be discs posed within both nosecone link pin housing 235 and link108. Illustratively, at least one link pin 109 may be configured toconnect handle 110 and link 108, e.g., link pin 109 may be disposedwithin both handle link pin housing 230 and link 108. In one or moreembodiments, at least one link 108 may be connected to both nosecone 105and handle 110, e.g., at least one link pin 109 may be disposed withinboth nosecone link pin housing 235 and link 108 and at least one linkpin 109 may be disposed within both handle link pin housing 230 and link108.

FIG. 2B illustrates a cross-sectional view of an assembled multi-utilitysurgical instrument 200. In one or more embodiments, nosecone 105 maycomprise a nosecone inner bore 205. Illustratively, inner hypodermictube distal end 141 may be fixed within nosecone inner bore 205, e.g.,by a machine press fit, a biocompatible adhesive, etc. In one or moreembodiments, outer nosecone proximal end 172 may be fixed withinnosecone inner bore 205, e.g., by a machine press fit, a biocompatibleadhesive, etc.

Illustratively, end plug 160 may comprise a surgical blank housing 240,an end plug inner bore 250, an interface taper 260, and a fixationmechanism housing 270. In one or more embodiments, end plug inner bore250 may comprise an end plug inner bore distal cone 251 and an end pluginner bore proximal chamber 252. Illustratively, interface taper 260 maybe configured to interface with one or more components, e.g., to provideone or more surgical utilities. In one or more embodiments, interfacetaper 260 may comprise a Luer taper. End plug 160 may be manufacturedfrom any suitable material, e.g., polymers, metals, metal alloys, etc.,or from any combination of suitable materials.

Illustratively, surgical blank 180 may be disposed within outerhypodermic tube 170, nosecone inner bore 205, inner hypodermic tube 140,piston tube 150, actuation facilitating sleeve 130, surgical blankhousing 240, and fixation mechanism housing 270. In one or moreembodiments, fixation mechanism 165 may be configured to fix surgicalblank 180 in a position relative to handle 110, e.g., at fixationmechanism housing 270. For example, fixation mechanism 165 may bedisposed within fixation mechanism housing 270, e.g., to fix surgicalblank 180 in a position relative to handle 110.

Illustratively, surgical blank 180 may modified to provide a one or moresurgical utilities, e.g., surgical blank distal end 181 may be modifiedto provide one or more particular surgical utilities of a plurality ofsurgical utilities. In one or more embodiments, surgical blank 180 maybe modified wherein surgical blank 180 may comprise a surgical forceps,e.g., with a grasping utility. Illustratively, surgical blank 180 may bemodified wherein surgical blank 180 may comprise a surgical scissors,e.g., with a cutting utility. In one or more embodiments, surgical blank180 may be modified wherein surgical blank 180 may comprise a surgicalmanipulator, e.g., with a manipulation utility. Illustratively, surgicalblank 180 may be modified wherein surgical blank 180 may comprise asurgical hook, e.g., with a hook utility. In one or more embodiments,surgical blank 180 may be modified wherein surgical blank 180 maycomprise a surgical chopper, e.g. with a chopping utility.Illustratively, surgical blank 180 may be modified wherein surgicalblank 180 may comprise a surgical pre-chopper, e.g., with a pre-choppingutility. In one or more embodiments, surgical blank 180 may be modifiedwherein surgical blank 180 may comprise a surgical pick, e.g., with apick utility. Illustratively, surgical blank 180 may be modified tocomprise any surgical instrument with any surgical utility as will beappreciated by one having ordinary skill in the relevant technologicalart. Surgical blank 180 may be manufactured from any suitable material,e.g., polymers, metals, metal alloys, etc., or from any combination ofsuitable materials.

In one or more embodiments, handle 110 may be compressed, e.g., by anapplication of a compressive force to handle 110. For example, a surgeonmay compress handle 110 by gently squeezing handle 110, e.g., at one ormore surgical grip points 220. Illustratively, a compression of handle110 may be configured to actuate nosecone 105 relative to handleproximal end 112. Illustratively, a compression of handle 110 may beconfigured to extend nosecone 105 relative to handle proximal end 112.

In one or more embodiments, a compression of handle 110 may beconfigured to extend one or more links 108 connected to nosecone 105,e.g., by one or more link pins 109, away from handle proximal end 112.Illustratively, a compression of handle 110 may be configured togradually project nosecone 105 relative to handle proximal end 112. Inone or more embodiments, a compression of handle 110 may be configuredto gradually actuate outer hypodermic tube 170 relative to handleproximal end 112. For example, a compression of handle 110 may beconfigured to gradually extend outer hypodermic tube 170 relative tohandle proximal end 112. Illustratively, a compression of handle 110 maybe configured to gradually actuate outer hypodermic tube 170 relative tosurgical blank 180. For example, a compression of handle 110 may beconfigured to gradually extend outer hypodermic tube 170 relative tosurgical blank 180.

In one or more embodiments, a compression of handle 110 may beconfigured to actuate inner hypodermic tube 140 relative to handle 110.Illustratively, a compression of handle 110 may be configured to extendinner hypodermic tube 140 relative to handle proximal end 112. In one ormore embodiments, a compression of handle 110 may be configured toactuate piston tube 150 relative to handle 110. Illustratively, acompression of handle 110 may be configured to extend piston tube 150relative to handle proximal end 112.

In one or more embodiments, handle 110 may be decompressed, e.g., byreducing a magnitude of a compressive force applied to handle 110. Forexample, a surgeon may decompress handle 110 by decreasing an amount ofcompressive force applied to handle 110, e.g., at one or more surgicalgrip points 220. Illustratively, a decompression of handle 110 may beconfigured to actuate nosecone 105 relative to handle proximal end 112.Illustratively, a decompression of handle 110 may be configured toretract nosecone 105 relative to handle proximal end 112.

In one or more embodiments, a decompression of handle 110 may beconfigured to retract one or more links 108 connected to nosecone 105,e.g., by one or more link pins 109, towards handle proximal end 112.Illustratively, a decompression of handle 110 may be configured togradually retract nosecone 105 relative to handle proximal end 112. Inone or more embodiments, a decompression of handle 110 may be configuredto gradually actuate outer hypodermic tube 170 relative to handleproximal end 112. For example, a decompression of handle 110 may beconfigured to gradually retract outer hypodermic tube 170 relative tohandle proximal end 112. Illustratively, a decompression of handle 110may be configured to gradually actuate outer hypodermic tube 170relative to surgical blank 180. For example, a decompression of handle110 may be configured to gradually retract outer hypodermic tube 170relative to surgical blank 180.

In one or more embodiments, a decompression of handle 110 may beconfigured to actuate inner hypodermic tube 140 relative to handle 110.Illustratively, a decompression of handle 110 may be configured toretract inner hypodermic tube 140 relative to handle proximal end 112.In one or more embodiments, a decompression of handle 110 may beconfigured to actuate piston tube 150 relative to handle 110.Illustratively, a decompression of handle 110 may be configured toretract piston tube 150 relative to handle proximal end 112.

In one or more embodiments, actuation facilitating sleeve 130 and pistontube 150 may be configured to minimize a coefficient of friction betweenactuation facilitating sleeve 130 and piston tube 150. Illustratively,actuation facilitating sleeve 130 and piston tube 150 may bemanufactured from one or more materials configured to minimize afriction force, e.g., when piston tube 150 is actuated relative tohandle 110. For example, actuation facilitation sleeve 130 and pistontube 150 may be manufactured from one or more materials configured tominimize a friction force, e.g., when piston tube 150 is actuatedrelative to actuation facilitating sleeve 130. In one or moreembodiments, at least an inner portion of actuation facilitating sleeve130 may comprise a non-crystalline material, e.g., glass.Illustratively, at least an outer portion of piston tube 150 maycomprise carbon or a carbon allotrope, e.g., graphite. In one or moreembodiments, at least an inner portion of actuation facilitating sleeve130 may comprise a carbon or a carbon allotrope, e.g., graphite.Illustratively, at least an outer portion of piston tube 150 maycomprise a non-crystalline material, e.g., glass.

Actuation facilitating sleeve 130 may be manufactured from any suitablematerial, e.g., polymers, metals, metal alloys, etc., or from anycombination of suitable materials. Piston tube 150 may be manufacturedfrom any suitable material, e.g., polymers, metals, metal alloys, etc.,or from any combination of suitable materials. In one or moreembodiments, an inner portion of actuation facilitating sleeve 130 maybe coated with a material configured to minimize a coefficient offriction between actuation facilitating sleeve 130 and piston tube 150,e.g., Teflon. Illustratively, an outer portion of piston tube 150 may becoated with a material configured to minimize a coefficient of frictionbetween piston tube 150 and actuation facilitation sleeve 130, e.g.,Teflon.

FIGS. 3A, 3B, and 3C are schematic diagrams illustrating a graspingutility of an assembled multi-utility surgical instrument 200. FIG. 3Aillustrates an open forceps 300. In one or more embodiments, surgicalblank 180 may be modified wherein surgical blank 180 may comprise anopen forceps 300. For example, surgical blank distal end 180 maycomprise a first forceps arm 310 and a second forceps arm 320.Illustratively, first forceps arm 310 may comprise a first forceps tip311 and second forceps arm 320 may comprise a second forceps tip 321. Inone or more embodiments, first forceps tip 311 and second forceps tip321 may be separated at a first separated distance, e.g., when surgicalblank 180 comprises an open forceps 300.

FIG. 3B illustrates a partially closed forceps 301. In one or moreembodiments, a compression of handle 110, e.g., due to an application ofa compressive force to handle 110, may be configured to gradually closean open forceps 300 wherein surgical blank 180 may comprise a partiallyclosed forceps 301. Illustratively, a compression of handle 110 may beconfigured to gradually extend nosecone 105 and outer hypodermic tube170 relative to surgical blank 180. Illustratively, as outer hypodermictube 170 is gradually extended over surgical blank 180, outer hypodermictube 170 may be configured to gradually reduce a separation distancebetween first forceps tip 311 and second forceps tip 321. For example,first forceps tip 311 and second forceps tip 321 may be separated at asecond separated distance, e.g., when surgical blank 180 comprises apartially closed forceps 301. In one or more embodiments, the firstseparated distance may be greater than the second separated distance.

FIG. 3C illustrates a fully closed forceps 302. In one or moreembodiments, a compression of handle 110 may be configured to graduallyclose a partially closed forceps 301 wherein surgical blank 180 maycomprise a fully closed forceps 302. Illustratively, a compression ofhandle 110 may be configured to gradually extend outer hypodermic tube170 over surgical blank 180. In one or more embodiments, as outerhypodermic tube 170 is gradually extended over surgical blank 180, outerhypodermic tube 170 may be configured to gradually reduce a separationdistance between first forceps tip 311 and second forceps tip 321. If aseparation distance between first forceps tip 311 and second forceps tip321 is gradually reduced until first forceps tip 311 and second forcepstip 321 are separated by a minimal distance, e.g., first forceps tip 311and second forceps tip 321 are in contact, then surgical blank 180 maycomprise a fully closed forceps 302.

FIGS. 4A, 4B, and 4C are schematic diagrams illustrating a releasingutility of an assembled multi-utility surgical instrument 200. FIG. 4Aillustrates a closed forceps 400. In one or more embodiments, surgicalblank 180 may comprise a closed forceps 400, e.g., when first forcepstip 311 and second forceps tip 321 are separated by a minimal distance.Illustratively, a full compression of handle 110 may be configured toreduce a separation distance between first forceps tip 311 and secondforceps tip 321 wherein surgical blank 180 may comprise a closed forceps400.

FIG. 4B illustrates a partially open forceps 401. In one or moreembodiments, surgical blank 180 may comprise a partially open forceps401, e.g., when first forceps tip 311 and second forceps tip 321 areseparated at a partially separated distance. Illustratively, adecompression of handle 110, e.g., due to a reduction of a magnitude ofa compressive force applied to handle 110, may be configured togradually retract nosecone 105 and outer hypodermic tube 170 relative tosurgical blank 180. In one or more embodiments, as outer hypodermic tube170 is gradually retracted relative to surgical blank 180, outerhypodermic tube 170 may be configured to gradually increase a separationdistance between first forceps tip 311 and second forceps tip 321.Illustratively, a decompression of handle 110 may be configured togradually open a closed forceps 400 wherein surgical blank 180 maycomprise a partially open forceps 401.

FIG. 4C illustrates a fully open forceps 402. In one or moreembodiments, surgical blank 180 may comprise a fully open forceps 402,e.g., when first forceps tip 311 and second forceps tip 321 areseparated at a fully separated distance. Illustratively, the fullyseparated distance may be greater than the partially separated distance.In one or more embodiments, a decompression of handle 110 may beconfigured to gradually open a partially open forceps 401 whereinsurgical blank 180 may comprise a fully open forceps 402.Illustratively, a decompression of handle 110 may be configured togradually retract outer hypodermic tube 170 relative to surgical blank180. In one or more embodiments, as outer hypodermic tube 170 isgradually retracted relative to surgical blank 180, outer hypodermictube 170 may be configured to gradually increase a separation distancebetween first forceps tip 311 and second forceps tip 321. If aseparation distance between first forceps tip 311 and second forceps tip321 is gradually increased, e.g., by a full decompression of handle 110,until first forceps tip 311 and second forceps tip 321 are separated bya fully separated distance, then surgical blank 180 may comprise a fullyopen forceps 402.

FIG. 5 is a schematic diagram illustrating a multi-utility surgicalinstrument flushing configuration 500. In one or more embodiments, amulti-utility surgical instrument flushing configuration 500 maycomprise an assembled multi-utility instrument 200 and a syringe 510having a syringe distal end 511 and a syringe proximal end 512.Illustratively, syringe 510 may comprise a syringe chamber 520, asyringe pump 530, and a syringe plunger 535. In one or more embodiments,syringe 510 may be configured to interface with interface taper 260,e.g., to form a hermetic seal.

Illustratively, syringe chamber 520 may contain a fluid, e.g., water,saline, etc. In one or more embodiments, syringe pump 530 and syringeplunger 535 may be configured to flush a fluid contained in syringechamber 520 through an inner portion of an assembled multi-utilitysurgical instrument 200, e.g., and expel the fluid from outer hypodermictube distal end 271. Illustratively, a fluid may be flushed, e.g., bysyringe pump 530 and syringe plunger 535, from syringe chamber 520 intoend plug distal bore 250; from end plug distal bore 250 into surgicalblank housing 240; from surgical blank housing 240 into piston tube 150;from piston tube 150 into inner hypodermic tube 140; from innerhypodermic tube 140 into nosecone inner bore 205; and from noseconeinner bore 205 into outer hypodermic tube 170. For example, after thefluid is flushed through outer hypodermic tube 170, the fluid may beexpelled from outer hypodermic tube distal end 171.

In one or more embodiments, syringe pump 530 and syringe plunger 535 maybe configured to remove undesirable material from first forceps arm 310or second forceps arm 320. For example, when performing a surgicalprocedure, a forceps may be required to remove a delicate tissue ormembrane. Illustratively, one or more pieces of a membrane may stick tofirst forceps arm 310 or second forceps arm 320 during a surgicalprocedure. In one or more embodiments, syringe pump 530 and syringeplunger 535 may be configured to remove undesirable material from firstforceps arm 310 or second forceps arm 320, e.g., by flushing a fluidthrough an inner portion of assembled multi-utility surgical instrument200 and washing the undesirable material off of first forceps arm 310 orsecond forceps arm 320 as the fluid is expelled from outer hypodermictube distal end 171.

Illustratively, a multi-utility surgical instrument flushingconfiguration 500 may be configured to sterilize an assembledmulti-utility surgical instrument 200. For example, flushing a fluidthrough an inner portion of an assembled multi-utility surgicalinstrument 200 may be configured to remove biological matter that mayhave accumulated within the inner portion of assembled multi-utilitysurgical instrument 200, e.g., from passive ingress. In one or moreembodiments, an unsterilized assembled multi-utility surgical instrument200 may be sterilized by flushing a fluid through an inner portion ofthe unsterilized assembled multi-utility surgical instrument 200 andthen subjecting the unsterilized assembled multi-utility surgicalinstrument 200 to a high heat and high pressure environment, e.g., in anautoclave.

FIGS. 6A and 6B are schematic diagrams illustrating a multi-utilitysurgical instrument with an irrigation utility 600. FIG. 6A illustratesa side view of a multi-utility surgical instrument with an irrigationutility 600. In one or more embodiments, a multi-utility surgicalinstrument with an irrigation utility 600 may comprise an irrigationtube 610, an instrument interface 620 having an instrument interfacedistal end 621 and an instrument interface proximal end 622, anirrigation component interface 630 having an irrigation componentinterface distal end 631 and an irrigation component interface proximalend 632, and an irrigation component 640. Illustratively, instrumentinterface 620 may be configured to interface with interface taper 260,e.g., to form a hermetic seal. In one or more embodiments, irrigationcomponent interface 630 may be configured to interface with irrigationcomponent 640. Illustratively, irrigation component 640 may beconfigured to provide an irrigation fluid and control an irrigationfluid flow. In one or more embodiments, irrigation component 640 maycomprise a phacoemulsification/vitrectomy machine or irrigationcomponent 640 may be configured to interface with aphacoemulsification/vitrectomy machine. Illustratively, a first end ofirrigation tube 610 may be connected to instrument interface 620, e.g.,at instrument interface proximal end 622, and a second end of irrigationtube 610 may be connected to irrigation component interface 630, e.g.,at irrigation component interface distal end 631. In one or moreembodiments, irrigation tube 610 may be configured to guide anirrigation fluid flow, e.g., provided by irrigation component 640.

Illustratively, a portion of outer hypodermic tube 170 may be disposedbelow the surface of a particular tissue 650, e.g., outer hypodermictube distal end 171 may be disposed below the surface of a particulartissue 650. In one or more embodiments, outer hypodermic tube 170 may beinserted through a small incision in particular tissue 650.Illustratively, particular tissue 650 may comprise a vitreous tissue.

FIG. 6B illustrates a cross-sectional view of multi-utility surgicalinstrument with an irrigation utility 600. In one or more embodiments,irrigation component 640 may be configured to initiate an irrigationprocedure. For example, irrigation component 640 may initiate anirrigation procedure by pumping an irrigation fluid into irrigation tube610. Illustratively, irrigation component 640 may be configured tocontrol an irrigation fluid flow out of irrigation component 640. In oneor more embodiments, irrigation component 640 may be configured tocontrol an irrigation fluid flow from irrigation component 640 intoirrigation tube 610; from irrigation tube 610 into end plug distal bore250; from end plug distal bore 250 into surgical blank housing 240; fromsurgical blank housing 240 into piston tube 150; from piston tube 150into inner hypodermic tube 140; from inner hypodermic tube 140 intonosecone inner bore 205; from nosecone inner bore 205 into outerhypodermic tube 170; and from outer hypodermic tube 170 into anirrigation target.

Illustratively, a multi-utility surgical instrument with an irrigationutility 600 may be configured to clear debris or fluid from a surgicalsite, e.g., to improve a visualization of the surgical site. Forexample, one or more features of a surgical site may become difficultfor a surgeon to visualize due to the presence of blood or debris duringa surgical procedure. In one or more embodiments, a multi-utilitysurgical instrument with an irrigation utility 600 may be configured toclear blood or debris from a surgical site by washing the blood ordebris from the surgical site with an irrigation fluid. Illustratively,a multi-utility surgical instrument with an irrigation utility 600 maybe configured to provide a clear visual field in close proximity to ableeding vessel, e.g., by washing blood from the visual field with anirrigation fluid.

FIGS. 7A and 7B are schematic diagrams illustrating a multi-utilitysurgical instrument with an aspiration utility 700. FIG. 7A illustratesa side view of a multi-utility surgical instrument with an aspirationutility 700. In one or more embodiments, a multi-utility surgicalinstrument with an aspiration utility 700 may comprise an aspirationtube 710, an instrument interface 720 having an instrument interfacedistal end 721 and an instrument interface proximal end 722, anaspiration component interface 730 having an aspiration componentinterface distal end 731 and an aspiration component interface proximalend 732, and an aspiration component 740. Illustratively, instrumentinterface 720 may be configured to interface with interface taper 260,e.g., to form a hermetic seal. In one or more embodiments, aspirationcomponent interface 730 may be configured to interface with aspirationcomponent 740. Illustratively, aspiration component 740 may beconfigured to provide an aspiration vacuum. In one or more embodiments,aspiration component 740 may comprise a phacoemulsification/vitrectomymachine or aspiration component 740 may be configured to interface witha phacoemulsification/vitrectomy machine. Illustratively, a first end ofaspiration tube 710 may be connected to instrument interface 720, e.g.,at instrument interface proximal end 722, and a second end of aspirationtube 710 may be connected to aspiration component interface 730, e.g.,at aspiration component interface distal end 731. In one or moreembodiments, aspiration tube 710 may be configured to contain anaspiration vacuum, e.g., provided by aspiration component 740.

Illustratively, a portion of outer hypodermic tube 170 may be disposedbelow the surface of a particular tissue 650, e.g., outer hypodermictube distal end 171 may be disposed below the surface of a particulartissue 650. In one or more embodiments, outer hypodermic tube 170 may beinserted through a small incision in particular tissue 650.Illustratively, particular tissue 650 may comprise a vitreous tissue.

FIG. 7B illustrates a cross-sectional view of multi-utility surgicalinstrument with an aspiration utility 700. In one or more embodiments,aspiration component 740 may be configured to initiate an aspirationprocedure. For example, aspiration component 740 may initiate anaspiration procedure by inducing an aspiration vacuum in aspiration tube710. Illustratively, an aspiration vacuum may be configured to aspiratean aspiration target into outer hypodermic tube 170; from outerhypodermic tube 170 into nosecone inner bore 205; from nosecone innerbore 205 into inner hypodermic tube 140; from inner hypodermic tube 140into piston tube 150; from piston tube 150 into surgical blank housing240; from surgical blank housing 240 into end plug inner bore 250; fromend plug inner bore 250 into aspiration tube 710; and from aspirationtube 710 into aspiration component 740, e.g., for disposal.

Illustratively, a multi-utility surgical instrument with an aspirationutility 700 may be configured to clear debris or fluid from a surgicalsite, e.g., to improve a visualization of the surgical site. Forexample, one or more features of a surgical site may become difficultfor a surgeon to visualize due to the presence of blood or debris duringa surgical procedure. In one or more embodiments, a multi-utilitysurgical instrument with an aspiration utility 700 may be configured toclear blood or debris from a surgical site by removing the blood ordebris from the surgical site with an aspiration vacuum. Illustratively,a multi-utility surgical instrument with an aspiration utility 700 maybe configured to provide a clear visual field in close proximity to ableeding vessel, e.g., by removing blood from the visual field with anaspiration vacuum.

FIGS. 8A, 8B, and 8C are schematic diagrams illustrating a multi-utilitysurgical instrument with an illumination utility 800. FIG. 8Aillustrates a side view of a multi-utility surgical instrument with anillumination utility 800. In one or more embodiments, a multi-utilitysurgical instrument with an illumination utility 800 may comprise anassembled multi-utility surgical instrument 200, a light sourceinterface 810, and an optic fiber 820 having an optic fiber distal end821 and an optic fiber proximal end 822. Illustratively, optic fiber 820may be configured to transmit light, e.g., between optic fiber proximalend 822 and optic fiber distal end 821. In one or more embodiments,optic fiber proximal end 822 may be disposed in light source interface810. Illustratively, light source interface 810 may be configured tointerface with a light source, e.g., an LED light source. In one or moreembodiments, light source interface 810 may be configured to directlight, e.g., from a light source, towards optic fiber proximal end 822.

FIG. 8B illustrates a cross-sectional view of a multi-utility surgicalinstrument with an illumination utility 800. In one or more embodiments,optic fiber 820 may be disposed within an inner portion of an assembledmulti-utility surgical instrument 200. Illustratively, optic fiber 820may be disposed within end plug inner bore 250, surgical blank housing240, piston tube 150, inner hypodermic tube 140, nosecone inner bore205, and outer hypodermic tube 170. FIG. 8C illustrates an enlarged viewof an outer hypodermic tube distal end 171 of a multi-utility surgicalinstrument with an illumination utility 800. In one or more embodiments,optic fiber 820 may be disposed within an inner portion of an assembledmulti-utility surgical instrument 200 wherein optic fiber distal end 821may be adjacent to outer hypodermic tube distal end 171.

Illustratively, a portion of outer hypodermic tube 170 may be disposedbelow the surface of a particular tissue 650, e.g., outer hypodermictube distal end 171 may be disposed below the surface of a particulartissue 650. In one or more embodiments, outer hypodermic tube 170 may beinserted through a small incision in particular tissue 650.Illustratively, particular tissue 650 may comprise a vitreous tissue. Inone or more embodiments, light source interface 810 may be configured todirect light, e.g., from a light source, towards optic fiber proximalend 822. Illustratively, optic fiber 820 may be configured to transmitlight from optic fiber proximal end 822, e.g., through an inner portionof an assembled multi-utility surgical instrument 200, to optic fiberdistal end 821. In one or more embodiments, optic fiber distal end 821may be configured to direct light, e.g., from a light source, towardsone or more illumination targets.

FIGS. 9A and 9B are schematic diagrams illustrating a multi-utilitysurgical instrument with a drug delivery utility 900. FIG. 9Aillustrates a side view of a multi-utility surgical instrument with adrug delivery utility 900. In one or more embodiments, a multi-utilitysurgical instrument with a drug delivery utility 900 may comprise a drugdelivery tube 910, an instrument interface 920 having an instrumentinterface distal end 921 and an instrument interface proximal end 922, adrug delivery component interface 930 having a drug delivery componentinterface distal end 931 and a drug delivery component interfaceproximal end 932, and a drug delivery component 940. Illustratively,instrument interface 920 may be configured to interface with interfacetaper 260, e.g., to form a hermetic seal. In one or more embodiments,drug delivery component interface 930 may be configured to interfacewith drug delivery component 940.

Illustratively, drug delivery component 940 may be configured to providea drug infusion and control a drug infusion flow. In one or moreembodiments, drug delivery component 940 may comprise an infusion pump.Illustratively, a first end of drug delivery tube 910 may be connectedto instrument interface 920, e.g., at instrument interface proximal end922, and a second end of drug delivery tube 910 may be connected to drugdelivery component interface 930, e.g., at drug delivery componentinterface distal end 931. In one or more embodiments, drug delivery tube910 may be configured to guide a drug infusion flow, e.g., provided bydrug delivery component 940.

Illustratively, a portion of outer hypodermic tube 170 may be disposedbelow the surface of a particular tissue 650, e.g., outer hypodermictube distal end 171 may be disposed below the surface of a particulartissue 650. In one or more embodiments, outer hypodermic tube 170 may beinserted through a small incision in particular tissue 650.Illustratively, particular tissue 650 may comprise a vitreous tissue.

FIG. 9B illustrates a cross-sectional view of multi-utility surgicalinstrument with a drug delivery utility 900. In one or more embodiments,drug delivery component 940 may be configured to initiate a drugdelivery procedure. For example, drug delivery component 940 mayinitiate a drug delivery procedure by infusing a drug into drug deliverytube 910. Illustratively, drug delivery component 940 may be configuredto control a drug infusion flow out of drug delivery component 940. Inone or more embodiments, drug delivery component 940 may be configuredto control a drug infusion flow from drug delivery component 940 intodrug delivery tube 910; from drug delivery tube 910 into end plug distalbore 250; from end plug distal bore 250 into surgical blank housing 240;from surgical blank housing 240 into piston tube 150; from piston tube150 into inner hypodermic tube 140; from inner hypodermic tube 140 intonosecone inner bore 205; from nosecone inner bore 205 into outerhypodermic tube 170; and from outer hypodermic tube 170 into a drugdelivery target.

Illustratively, a multi-utility surgical instrument with a drug deliveryutility 900 may be configured to administer antibiotics or steroids to aparticular surgical area as a surgeon performs a surgical procedure atthe particular surgical area. For example, a particular surgicalprocedure may require a surgeon to first locate a membrane at a surgicalsite and then remove the membrane from the surgical site. In one or moreembodiments, a surgeon may use a multi-utility surgical instrument witha drug delivery utility 900 to locate the membrane at the surgical siteby administering a drug, e.g., a steroid, to the surgical site forvisualization of the membrane. Illustratively, after locating themembrane at the surgical site, the surgeon may remove the membrane fromthe surgical site, e.g., with a grasping utility of an assembledmulti-utility surgical instrument 200. In one or more embodiments, amulti-utility surgical instrument flushing configuration 500 may beconfigured to remove any portions of the membrane from an assembledmulti-utility surgical instrument 200, e.g., to sterilize the assembledmulti-utility surgical instrument 200.

The foregoing description has been directed to particular embodiments ofthis invention. It will be apparent; however, that other variations andmodifications may be made to the described embodiments, with theattainment of some or all of their advantages. Specifically, it shouldbe noted that the principles of the present invention may be implementedin any instrument. Furthermore, while this description has been writtenin terms of a multi-utility surgical instrument, the teachings of thepresent invention are equally suitable to systems where thefunctionality of one or more utilities may be employed. Therefore, it isthe object of the appended claims to cover all such variations andmodifications as come within the true spirit and scope of the invention.

What is claimed is:
 1. A method comprising: inserting a syringe into aninterface taper of an end plug of an instrument; flushing a fluid intoan end plug inner bore of the end plug; flushing the fluid into a pistontube of the instrument; flushing the fluid into an inner hypodermic tubeof the instrument; flushing the fluid into an inner bore of a noseconeof the instrument; flushing the fluid into an outer hypodermic tube ofthe instrument; and expelling the fluid out from a distal end of theouter hypodermic tube.
 2. The method of claim 1 further comprising:removing biological matter from a distal end of a surgical blank of theinstrument.
 3. The method of claim 2 further comprising: removingbiological matter from a forceps arm of the surgical blank.
 4. Themethod of claim 1 further comprising: removing biological matter from aninner portion of the instrument.
 5. The method of claim 4 furthercomprising: removing biological matter from the outer hypodermic tube.6. The method of claim 1 further comprising: sterilizing the instrument.7. The method of claim 1 further comprising: forming a hermetic sealbetween the syringe and the interface taper.
 8. A method comprising:inserting a syringe into an interface taper of an end plug of aninstrument; flushing a fluid into an end plug inner bore of the endplug; flushing the fluid into a piston tube of the instrument; flushingthe fluid into an inner hypodermic tube of the instrument; flushing thefluid into an inner bore of a nosecone of the instrument; flushing thefluid into an outer hypodermic tube of the instrument; expelling thefluid out from a distal end of the outer hypodermic tube; and removingbiological matter from an inner portion of the instrument.
 9. The methodof claim 8 further comprising: removing biological matter from a distalend of a surgical blank of the instrument.
 10. The method of claim 9further comprising: removing biological matter from a forceps arm of thesurgical blank.
 11. The method of claim 8 further comprising: removingbiological matter from the outer hypodermic tube.
 12. The method ofclaim 8 further comprising: sterilizing the instrument.
 13. The methodof claim 8 further comprising: forming a hermetic seal between thesyringe and the interface taper.
 14. A method comprising: inserting asyringe into an interface taper of an end plug of an instrument; forminga hermetic seal between the syringe and the interface taper; flushing afluid into an end plug inner bore of the end plug; flushing the fluidinto a piston tube of the instrument; flushing the fluid into an innerhypodermic tube of the instrument; flushing the fluid into an inner boreof a nosecone of the instrument; flushing the fluid into an outerhypodermic tube of the instrument; and expelling the fluid out from adistal end of the outer hypodermic tube.
 15. The method of claim 14further comprising: removing biological matter from a distal end of asurgical blank of the instrument.
 16. The method of claim 15 furthercomprising: removing biological matter from a forceps arm of thesurgical blank.
 17. The method of claim 14 further comprising: removingbiological matter from an inner portion of the instrument.
 18. Themethod of claim 17 further comprising: removing biological matter fromthe outer hypodermic tube.
 19. The method of claim 14 furthercomprising: sterilizing the instrument.
 20. The method of claim 19further comprising: sterilizing the instrument in an autoclave.